We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karen Derr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karen below.
Karen, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I think being optimistic is a mental attitude and honestly when I first started my business I had a “forced optimism”. Which basically I had to find the positive in each negative situation. The “forced optimism has helped me change my mindset and look at situations and opportunities in a new and better light. For example, in my business I didn’t make a profit the first few months but I have a business. Optimism has helped me stay healthy physically and mentally. My mind is powerful it can make or break me, So, I’ve decided to water my mind with positive thinking. My optimism strengthens me and allows me to continue to achieve my goals and dreams. Being optimistic has given me the drive and ambition to continue to come up with new ideas in my business. My boxes started out as just an idea during the pandemic and because I believed it could be an actual business, I decided to cultivate that idea. Optimism encourages me to keep going and to achieve greater.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I created The Loc Box in 2021 to cultivate, encourage, and nurture.
My passion for black-owned businesses inspired me to create this box, hoping this will allow others to explore resources within the black community. The Loc Box is a box service where I find the best beauty, self-care, food, wellness and lifestyle products targeting black-owned businesses. I’m dedicated to offering an exhilarating and enjoyable experience for individuals that are in quest of an affordable way to try black- owned products that have been chosen with specific needs in mind. The Loc Box is like a present to yourself, friend or family member.
Mission
Focuses on bringing more awareness to black owned brands.
Motto
“Health, Wellness and Beauty Packaged In A Box”
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I just have to be transparent for a minute, my main obstacle has been myself and believing that I may not have what it takes to start this business and that it won’t be successful. I’ve talked myself out of it for years, but in 2021, I said, ” You will never know unless you take the chance and step out of the known and go in to the unknown”. Now that I have moved out of my own way, things have started to kick-off more. I’ll be a part of my 1st event on March 17th, 2024 in hopes that will allow me to spread the word about my business.
No, it has not been easy at all, but with my drive, determination and dedication, I truly believe within the next couple of years, my product could be a household name. Sky’s the limit!!!
Believe in yourself, do your research, trust the journey, enjoy the journey, ask for help and be patient.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The current obstacle I’m facing is trying to get partnerships and figuring out how to market my boxes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://the-loc-box21.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelocbox82
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kderr31/
Image Credits
Image credits: Dana Simone Photography
